Between The Pages - Sound of a Wylder Silence

Sound of a Wylder Silence 

Marilyn Barr 

October 2022

Ikshu Sagebrush lives in the shadows of his mystical brother, loudmouth sister-in-law, and the trauma he endured. When a chance meeting with a Christmas angel makes him consider stepping into the light, Ikshu calls to the spirits of his ancestors to help restore his voice.

Ava Wylder is no angel, but her wicked ways are the catalyst Ikshu needs to face his inner demons and build a life. She would gladly trade her family’s wish for her to become a lady of a manor house in New York for the natural beauty of Wylder and a simple existence with Ikshu. When their families and community status step between them, she cannot fight for their love alone. 

Will Ikshu find his voice to make his intentions known, or let true love slip through his fingers?

Between The Pages 

I absolutely adored this book. As a fan of Ikshu in Dance to a Wyler Beat, I was excited to see him get a story of his own, and the author did not disappoint with Ikshu’s captivating story. Ikshu is a quiet soul and an artist but haunted by his childhood. Ava is a force to be reckoned with. She is strong and determined yet afraid to stand up for her future. Ikshu and Ava are the perfect match, and their romance is endearing. The author’s voice provides a stunning visual of the landscape, placing the reader within the pages of the story. There were so many scenes filled with humour and fun, leaving you laughing out loud. There is also a deep emotional tug as Ikshu faces his demons. As in the first book, the spirit guides, teachers, Nartan, and Olive were greatly entertaining. This historical western, with a touch of paranormal, deserves more than five stars. 

Rating 

5 Stars

Between The Pages - Dance To A Wylder Beat

Dance To A Wylder Beat 

Marilyn Barr 

July 2021 

Nartan Sagebrush's name may mean "to dance" in Arapaho, but he dances in secret. Forced to abandon his Shamanic apprenticeship, he is overwhelmed with homesteader life, and even his spirit guides are at their wit's end. Nartan takes fate into his own hands. Instead of divine intervention, a wife will help with his responsibilities and in assimilating into the Wylder community. 

Olive Muegge answers Nartan's "wife wanted" advertisement. Wildly independent she has secretly dreamed of a family to call her own. The secret she carries inside makes her an outcast and her wild ways don't fit the quiet wife Nartan thinks he desires. 

Despite their differences, they are drawn to each other but a mistake may drive them apart. Will Nartan embrace his Shamanic past to save them both or will he choose to rid himself of Olive forever? 

Between The Pages 

This historical western with a slice of paranormal was such an enjoyable read. Olive and Nartan are perfect together, and they have extreme chemistry, but instead of rushing the intimacy, the author did a wonderful job letting their relationship grow, making the story more emotional and believable. Their fun banter will make you smile. The setting is picturesque with an easy visual of the cabin, teepees, and landscape. A well-developed plot describes Nartan’s culture, drawing the reader further into the story. His brother, Ikshu, was a delightful secondary character as were the spirit guides. A ceremony near the end was vivid and touching. This book is a must read.

Rating 

5 Stars

Between The Pages - The Spy Who Loved My Russian Tea Cakes

The Spy Who Loved My Russian Tea Cakes 

Marilyn Barr 

November 2021 

Reiki Practitioner Cassie Morgan is the black sheep of her family. She would rather work over the Christmas holidays than answer her family's interrogation about her non-existent love life and career choices. She assures herself it has nothing to do with the handsome coma patient, Sergei Chekov who stars in her dreams. 

Sergei wakes from blackness and dreams of a siren's call. He isn't sure who he can trust when the woman from his dreams walks into his room with his favorite childhood treat to jog his memory. Despite his attraction to her, he must escape to safety. 

Cassie is heartbroken and left with nothing but questions. Who was the woman who convinced her to wake Sergei? Why is the FBI involved? And will she ever see Sergei again or will she be left to pine over the spy who loved Russian tea cakes? 

Between The Pages 

The author pulls you into the practice of reiki and spiritual healing, which is quite interesting. While first person and present tense narration is not my preferred reading, the author has a unique voice, mixing drama and wit in a good combination. Cassie and Sergei have an immediate attraction and most of their interaction is viewed from within their dreams, which steams the pages. In addition to their dreams, I would have liked to see them connect more to each other on a deeper level while playing games in the hospital. Sergei’s background and his mother’s appearance are great plot points. The dinner scene with her family is a touching and entertaining moment. A cookie recipe at the end is a bonus. This fun holiday read is fast paced and enjoyable. 

Rating

4 Stars